JENISON, MICH. (RFD-TV) — Two Southern Gospel quartets will share the stage for an evening of music, worship, and celebration in a special edition of Gaither Gospel Hour, airing tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern on RFD-TV.
Southern Gospel singer Ernie Haase, whose group Signature Sound is celebrating more than two decades in music, joined Market Day Report to discuss the performance alongside the Gaither Vocal Band and the fellowship that makes Gospel music special.
More Than 20 Years of Southern Gospel
In his conversation with RFD-TV, Haase said Signature Sound is entering its 23rd year. He credited Bill and Gloria Gaither with supporting the group early in its career, inviting the quartet to tour with them and helping the ministry grow.
The opportunity to perform alongside the Gaither Vocal Band brought that relationship full circle.
Haase said his love for Southern Gospel music began when he was 16 and has continued to drive his career.
“I fell in love with the music at an early age,” Haase said. “There is no vaccine for this. I cannot be healed from this. I love it so much.”
He said the connection between performers, harmonies, and a live audience is what makes the experience especially meaningful.
Harmony Onstage and Backstage
The special was filmed in Louisville, where Haase said the audience helped elevate the performance beyond what the musicians had anticipated.
He described the connection between the two quartets as both musical and personal, with laughter, rehearsals, and fellowship contributing to the experience.
“Harmony is a beautiful thing. We believe God made that,” Haase said.
He compared the harmony among musicians to relationships outside the performance, explaining that people must be attentive to one another and work together.
“When we live in harmony, I just think it makes God smile,” he said.
Haase said the audience also played an important role in making the night memorable.
“It’s been the gift that keeps on giving,” he said, referring to having the performance recorded.
Sharing Joy and Reaffirming Faith
Haase said the group’s goal is not simply to entertain, but to encourage people and strengthen their faith, particularly during difficult times.
He pointed to a passage from the Bible that guides the message behind the performances.
“The joy of the Lord is our strength, not happiness,” Haase said. “Because that changes with each fuel price.”
He explained that happiness can change with circumstances, while faith offers a deeper source of strength.
“When we get on stage, we’re not there to tell you how good we are,” Haase said. “We’re here to reaffirm your faith. That God is good. He knows the future; we don’t, and you can trust him.”
Haase said he embraces sharing joy through music. After traveling internationally with Signature Sound, he recalled being described as an “ambassador of joy,” a phrase he has used for the past 15 years.
He said laughter and joy can bring people together across cultures, giving audiences a chance to step away from everyday pressures and reconnect with their faith.
Tune in Friday Night on RFD-TV
The Gaither Gospel Hour special brings Signature Sound and the Gaither Vocal Band together for an evening of Southern Gospel harmonies, fellowship, and worship.
Haase said he hopes viewers leave encouraged and reminded of the strength faith can provide.
Watch the special tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern on RFD-TV and streaming on RFDTV+
